MP debates naming a Sainik School after a controversial ex-chief minister

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-05-12 18:01:08 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 23:19:12

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Accused of criminal offences, is it appropriate to name a Sainik School after Madhya Pradesh's ex-chief minister? On one hand, the nurturing of a nationalistic sentiment, on the other, the question of ethics.

Recently retired from politics, Kamal Nath, a member of the Indian National Congress, was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from December 2018 to March 2020. On 29th June 2022, the Indian Army operated the inaugural ceremony of the Sainik School in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, renamed in honour of Mr Nath only a few months earlier, in January.

The decision to name the school after the ex-chief minister has been met with criticism from some, with concerns raised over Nath's alleged involvement in several criminal cases, including those of corruption and attempted murder. A local journalist told the BBC that many people in Balaghat were uncomfortable with the renaming and the apparent commemoration of a figure with such allegations against them.

Despite this reaction, Mr Nath attended the opening ceremony, where he expressed delight at the establishment being named after him and spoke of his pride at seeing the development of the state.

An officer from the school told the BBC that they had not faced any allegations or complaints, and their only focus was on educating and shaping young minds. While MPs such as Narottam Mishra have voiced their dissent on social media, claiming that naming the school after Mr Nath would not be appropriate, the officer also stated that they had not faced any hurdles in the day-to-day running of the institution.

Despite the controversy, the army and locals remain proud of the Sainik School, and many are thrilled about the opportunities it will bring to the community. Named after a figure whose alleged offences are yet to be proven or acquitted, the school continues to strive for excellence while balancing political debates. The conclusion to this story is yet to be written.

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